Hebrews 11:4
What does Hebrews 11:4 mean?
A plain-English look at Hebrews 11:4 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Hebrews 11:4 means
Abel’s offering was accepted because it was offered in faith, revealing a heart that revered God and trusted him. God bore witness to Abel’s righteousness by approving his gifts. Though violently killed by Cain, Abel’s faith still “speaks” through Scripture, testifying that God looks beyond the mere act to the trust that animates it. True worship is not mechanical; it is confidence in God’s worthiness and provision. Abel’s story shows that faith may provoke opposition, but divine approval outlasts human hostility. Even in death, the testimony of a faithful life continues to instruct and encourage subsequent generations.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, through which he had witness borne to him that he was righteous, God bearing witness in respect of his gifts: and through it he being dead yet speaketh.
KJV
King James Version · 1611By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, through which he had witness borne to him that he was righteous, God bearing witness in respect of his gifts: and through it he being dead yet speaketh.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949By faith Abel made a better offering to God than Cain, and he had witness through it of his righteousness, God giving his approval of his offering: and his voice still comes to us through it though he is dead.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862by faith a better sacrifice did Abel offer to God than Cain, through which he was testified to be righteous, God testifying of his gifts, and through it, he being dead, doth yet speak.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752By faith Abel offered to God a sacrifice exceeding that of Cain, by which he obtained a testimony that he was just, God giving testimony to his gifts. And by it he being dead yet speaketh.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890By faith Abel offered toGod a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained testimony of being righteous,God bearing testimony to his gifts, and by it, having died, he yet speaks.
Context
Having affirmed creation by God’s word, the writer turns to the earliest worshiper whose faith was commended. Abel is contrasted implicitly with Cain, whose offering lacked the faith that pleases God. This example introduces key themes: God’s witness to the faithful, the enduring voice of their testimony, and the reality that faith may bring suffering. Next comes Enoch, whose faith pleased God and led to an extraordinary deliverance from death.
v.3By faith we understand that the worlds have been framed by the word of God, so that what is seen hath not been made out of things which appear.
v.4This passage
v.5By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and he was not found, because God translated him: for he hath had witness borne to him that before his translation he had been well-pleasing unto God:
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Hebrews 12:1
Therefore let us also, seeing we are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
- Proverbs 15:8
The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to Jehovah; But the prayer of the upright is his delight.
- 1 John 3:11
For this is the message which ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another:
- Genesis 4:3
And in process of time it came to pass, that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto Jehovah.
- Titus 1:16
They profess that they know God; but by their works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.
- Genesis 4:8
And Cain told Abel his brother. And it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and slew him.
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